Christmas Day in a remote, high-altitude gompa in Mustang, Nepal and also Borghild’s birthday. A day that begins with a literal crash (a cat falling through the roof), and unfolds into something quieter: a walk to Muktinath Temple, a return to mountain rhythm, and a reflection on what happens when we stop needing life to feel “special”… and let it be what it is.
In this episode we explore
A cat falls through the roof, turning “Christmas Day expectations” into dust, debris, and laughter.
The altitude rhythm at 3,700 metres: everything reduces to the essentials: warmth, water, food, rest.
No gas, locked food trunk, missing keys and the choice to walk anyway.
The steady pace of the Himalayas: one step at a time, listening to breath and body.
A clear winter day walk through Chhyongur village, hanging bridge, prayer flags, and wide open silence.
Meeting a disoriented trekker separated from his friends after descending from Thorong La.
Arrival at Muktinath, a sacred place of liberation (moksha): gratitude, prayer, and remembering what “letting go” really means.
A powerful memory from 2011: being told “No Christians allowed” and the deeper teaching that freedom can’t depend on being “let in.”
Returning to the gompa and sitting again in the Milarepa cave, tracing the thread of devotion, silence, and the inner pilgrimage.
The closing invitation: release the pressure for the day to be perfect and notice the gifts beyond expectation.
ListenA companion while walking, resting, or taking a pause.
A simple trail practice to take with you
“Let it be what it is.”
When you notice yourself tightening against reality, pause and ask:
- What am I expecting this moment/day to be?
- What happens if I stop insisting it should be different?
Then return to basics:
What do I need right now?
If you don’t know, start with: water, warmth, food, rest and let clarity arrive in its own time.
Mentioned in this episode
Mustang, Nepal: a remote, high-altitude mountain region in the Himalayas
Muktinath Temple is a pilgrimage site associated with liberation and letting go
The temple is known for its 108 sacred water spouts
Milarepa cave at the gompa (and the thread of returning)
In the next episode
Borghild shares how she begins settling into a rhythm and the unexpected things that still need dealing with in this stripped-back gompa life.
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